Course Blog 21: Wrong Review, Jones "Black Watch" (Jennifer)

Chris Jones’ review of Black Watch for the Chicago Tribune falls short due to his miscalculation of his audience. Consider his statement that, “on this second viewing of ‘Black Watch,’ I was struck not only by how organically Hoggett makes soldiers dance, without us realizing he is doing so, but by how well the show captures existential themes.” Jones' comparison is irrelevant for most of his readers. Plus, his terms are unclear and elitist. 

Jones' comparisons are for an audience who is considering seeing the production again, as Jones did, not for those considering seeing it for the first time. This is clear as he begins the review with an extensive consideration of the previous production in Chicago and notes the altered U.S. position in Iraq/Afghanistan since then. He also compares the current and previous casts to an unnecessary degree. This is particularly ineffective because, while Black Watch is nationally touring, it isn’t a theatrical icon/blockbuster like a Shakespearean tragedy or Lion King. There are numerous people who have never seen it.  So, by comparing it to a previous performance, Jones does not provide the type of information valuable to a reader of the Tribune, which has a general audience. His review is more appropriate for a blog or periodical geared towards aficionados of theatre.

Jones should concentrate on revealing this play to new viewers. He should consider using precise and evocative language, rather than jargon, to identify why a casual theatre-goer should make this a must-see. For example, when he mentions the “organic” nature of the dance, he could describe what he means by “organic” and perhaps create a verbal image of a particular dance or movement that achieves it.

Sidenote:  Jones should also avoid relying on cultural clichés and turns of phrase to reference the “Scottishness” of it all (“have its Scotch pie and eat it too”; “I headed out towards the St.Andrew’s pub”).